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What To Never Say To A Ptsd Sufferer

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It seems as a supporter I have done everything wrong, my sufferer isolates from me all the time. 7 with PTSD. He refuses treatment, he refuses my help, my support and my love.
Discarded,
I have seen you discuss some of your concerns. You often sound angry and I can understand why.

In the above you are taking responsibility for him isolating; for him refusing treatment; for him refusing your help and your love. Why would any of those things be about you? Do you think you can somehow magically say or do something to change any of those things? I think what would help you a lot is to let him take responsibility for himself.

Him refusing to get treatment is a big problem. You feeling you can change or fix him is also a problem. I wish you both well.
 
thirty years ago I could have been carted off to a sanatorium and shocked silly and given cereal bowls of pills.

I had a great aunt, who, when she was about 14 she was thrown in a sanitarium. They said she was mentally retarded(never seemed that way to me). Anyhow, they sterilized her. I am so glad I didn't live during that time.

I confess that I am guilty of this one, Hang in there

I do that one too. Don't know why I would since I'm not fond of the saying.[DOUBLEPOST=1357507700][/DOUBLEPOST]Suck it up. Hate that beyond belief.
 
" when are you going back to school?"
" when are you gonna get a job? have you been job searching?"
" why havent you been helping around the house?"
" are you just not gonna do things b/c you don't feel it?"
--> the last 3 questions were asked by a sibling. It really made uncomfortable when I was asked that. It's like if I am expected to do things or help around. I understood her intentions but it felt kind of in-sinuating and intrusive. The last one is kind of a mixed-up response.
 
I needed this today. It's these stupid, careless expressions that are almost more painful that the traumas themselves. I could go postal when I here...

"All you have to do is...."
Like I haven't tried everything under the sun and they know something I don't and its just that damn easy to boot!

"GOD won't put more on you than you can handle."
Really? Really! Really?! Sure doesn't feel that way to me.

"Just pray."
Like I don't or am too stupid to think of that shit on my own!

Sorry if these were repeats, but I had to put my 2 cents in.
 
Great thread! I have to say my all time favorite pieces of unsolicited advice are "get over it" and "you can't live in the past".

Ummmm.....let me see. Why don't I slam your head into the ground about ten times, then hit you as hard as I can in the head about six times, and see how easy it is for you to "get over it". But seriously, all that traumatic brain injury simply CANNOT be the cause of your a) depression b) memory loss c) inability to pay attention d) migraines and other worsening cognitive difficulties. Next, I'm going to put my hands around your throat and attempt to choke you to death because I just don't think you have enough to "get over". When we get home, I'm going to pin you on the bed and slap you around a little, just because I'm bigger than you and I can.

These are just a few of the physical injuries you will have to "get over." Now I'm going to ask you to "get over" being used as a sperm receptacle/punching bag/doormat for not one, but two sociopaths for almost twenty years. Throw in a couple more random assaults here and there and you just might begin to "get over it" too- just like me.

To further help you "get over it", I'm going to expect you to live right across the street from the school where you were physically/emotionally bullied mercilessly for five years......on top of being molested regularly by a member of the staff. Aaaannnd.....I'm going to expect you to also "get over" not being able to go home and find a safe haven. I expect you to get over being "too sensitive" "lazy" and "negative". And if you have a problem with that.....you have only yourself to blame. You're the one who didn't pay attention in class.....you didn't want to do the work......and your negativity is why you are having problems making friends with your snobby POS classmates. Now, because you are five years old and only a child at that, I have absurdly unrealistic standards and very high expectations of you. I expect you to completely understand why it is your fault that I had to slap you, pinch you, whip you with switches, wooden spoons and any other weapon I could find. It is because of your memory loss that I had to nearly knock you out of your chair for forgetting to give me a telephone message. Don't you know? Mistakes are for the immature and childish. How DARE YOU question my love for you, BTW. And while we're at it, STOP THAT CRYING.......unless you want me to really give you something to cry about.

I expect you to be happy and have a wonderful @!#$ing life and make the most out of that fancy eighth grade education- not to mention all the valuable life skills we taught you about self-respect, self-worth and personal boundaries.

I expect you to "get over it, PRONTO.........because all the misery I caused you, is making me feel just a little bit uncomfortable.

{nothing but the truth....the whole truth......and a teeny bit of sarcasm}
 
A lot of people's reactions I think are their own issues, ignorance and not knowing how to deal with yours and their own emotions. I feel some even project their feelings onto you. The thing is if they can't show any compassion and see past their own feelings they are being hypocritical in telling us living with PTSD to just get over it.

My ex girlfriend who I believe is suffering trauma but is in denial said to me one day, 'You're lucky to be alive from your accident, so move on and get over it and live your life.'

I get what she was trying to say and I do appreciate the fact I am a survivor. I have got positives from it but like a lot of you are saying. It's not as simple as that and we have crap days and better days like a lot of people I suppose.
 
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